Remember Your First Women’s Convention

85 Responses to Remember Your First Women’s Convention

My first Womens convention was in Minneapolis, Mn. 2001. I remember Mother Inez Westbrook introduced me to the womens convention and I am so glad she did. I will forever be grateful, God truely blessed and Debra withsome others made it memorable for me also. God just loved on me. Shared a room with 2 other sisters and had the best time! We prayed,laughed and preached to each other as the Lord gave us. There was no decention between us and God blessed my soul.

Atlanta 2012 was my first. The women who conducted the opening prayer and set the house. Powerful! Still in my mind. I had family and friends attend that are not COGIC and that is what they still talk about.

I will remember this 64th annual Women’s Convention which will be held in my hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. I am new to the COGIC church. I attend Moore Temple Church of God in Christ Louisville Kentucky. Bishop Dwight L. Haygood is my Bishop. We are apart of the Kentucky 1st Jurisdiction And though I have been apart of the COGIC for almost 6 months, I am really love being COGIC. Thia is my first convention, and I hope to have a good time.

At my first IWC in New Orleans, LA,1996, I had the opportunity to shake President Bill Clinton's hand, was interviewed by Fox local news, and it was brodcasted. There I was just playing my tamborine and rejoicing in the Lord! Also, the Early Morning Prayer was on fire and worth missing breakfast for! My soul was blessed during that first convention!

My first WIC was in Kansas City, MO in 1987 where I found my biological sister I had not seen since we were children. What an awesome experience! I started as a "Red Card" delegate to continue to do so, enjoying the benefits of select hotels, delectable meals, great fellowship and so much more. Red Card is the way to go!

I had the pleasure of attending my first Women's Convention this year in Florida, was also my first trip to the United States, and I am very happy and honored to participate in this great event. Rivers Meet Mother, Mother Barbara Lewis, Mother Ellen, president of the Prayer Warriors, Mother Margaret Moore, and many others that I can not remember the name. God gave me this year, and I pray to be next. God bless to all!

Yes, I certainly remember my first International Women's Convention…it was the 1989 session in Portland, Oregon. I had recommitted my life to Jesus Christ in 1987, and was still quite new to this "life of sanctification and holiness". I was so excited to attend this convention with my beloved Christian sisters from the True Vine Community COGIC in Tacoma, Washington. Each morning, we "hurried with an urgency" to attend the early a.m. prayer sessions — hungry and thirsty to be in God's presence, and to go "beyond the veil" with Mother Shaw. Priceless! What a dynamic prayer warrior and intercessor of the Lord…I will never forget my experience there, and the amazing "move of God" that we encountered in Portland! I am hopeful that I will be able to attend the 64th Convention in Lousiville…I am a native of Kentucky, and would love to have the blessed opportunity to do so. We shall see!

The first International Women's Convention I attended was in 2001 in Birmingham, Alabama. That is my home state. I was with the Germany Jurisdiction at that time, and I travelled with my three young children. I was blessed to have family in the area. They came to pick up my children for that week so I could work and enjoy my time in service. The experience was awesome. I got the chance to meet and talk with Mother Rivers for the first time too.

This will be my first Women's Convention in Orlando, FL 2013. I'm going with my best friend but my 1st lady, one of the church mothers, my district missionary and about 4 others will also be going. I have wanted to go for years because my granny would go before she passed and she always had an incredible time. Now that my three children are out of school I am free to go and I'm so excited!!! I have been experiencing some minor setbacks but I know it's just the devil trying to block my blessing. I have my red card and my flight and I'm on my way!!! I'm looking for an awesome time in the Lord.

My first Women's Convention: 2002 Minneapolis, MN… The best experience from beginning to the close. The birth of the 49 and Under, what a way to have an intimate conversation with our MOM, and learning the COGIC values. What a wonderful time and although I had been tarrying for the Holy Ghost in an all night prayer prior to the convention, I was Holy Ghost filled the first night…Jesus, I'll never forget, no NEVER!!!

May 2013 in Atlanta GA. WOW! What a wonderful time we had. I felt like Cinderella, I was invited to the ball to dance with Jesus. Jesus and I danced and danced. I was introduced to many sisters who spoke our language, Holy Ghost, and Love surrounded me as well as in me. Every night I dreamed of all that had been done that day. When I returned home I had to tell all my family and friends about my dance with Jesus! Jesus and I enjoyed ourselves so much. I have been invited again to Dance with Jesus in Orlando Florida 2014. Jesus promised, He’ll take care of me. Love to all and I pray God’s blessing upon all His children. AMEN

Sister Arletha McMorris – what a testimony – and thank God for his love – grace and mercy that he have given you to tell your story – and let us continue to pray and know that God will not only met us there – but that our arms – heart – soul and mind will be all on one accord.

Miami Beach, Florida – I will NEVER forget it! I was taking care of my ill mother at the time. God blessed me in such a Mighty way. He provided me with EVERYTHING a lady would need for such an occasion from transportation to jewelry and perfumes. Tell me God is not concerned about our least desires! What an experience!

San Diego, CA. 1994 Yes, I recall my first Women's Convention vividly, and all of the obstacles I had getting there. I almost decided to bypass it once more; but God blessed in spite of, AND I met my husband at the end of the Convention right there in San Diego!

I was 29 years old, and was sooo excited about going. I went with my cup lifted up, because I needed God to do something for my spiritual life. I needed a breakthrough, and I did not leave the same way I arrived at the convention that year. God did a new thing within me. At the end of the meeting, I was spiritually energized, inspired to be about soul business, and hungry to read and study God's Word. I was saved and holy ghost filled when I left home, but I knew there was something else missing. I went with my cup lifted up. God birth a mission spirit down on the inside of my santified soul. Outreach ministery is an important part of my life. Yes, how well do I remember my 1st Women's Convention. Glory!

Oh yes, I remember my first Women's Convention in Kansas City 1998. Most of my time was spent volunteering except for one session, I had the wonderful experience of hearing the late Mother Emily Bram-Bibby for the first time. She had to rock a couple of times to get out of her chair but, when she hit that podium with "ONE DAY AT A TIME" I believe the whole audience raised a couple of inches out of their seats. In 2004, I had the awesome experience of introducing my mother and sister to the Women's Convention in St. Louis. What a precious time we had reconnecting and enjoying the presence of the Lord. Each Women's Convention I attend has been a time of refreshing for me. Seeing godly women working together is just awesome. I pray God's continued blessings on the women of the Church of God in Christ. Unity, perseverance and blessings to Mother Rivers and her cabinet!

1994 – San Diego, CA I remember having the awesome opportunity (the favor of God) to walk with my supervisor into the presence of all the supervisors from all over the United States and abroad. The prayer started and I'll never forget the experience. The presence of God illuminated the room, The seasoned and anointed women of God praying and worshipping, calling on Jesus, thanking God for his wondrous works, rain and sunshine. Asking God to bless the meeting, to deliver, heal, set free and to save. The power of God moved, there was a wind of anointing that filled the house. I stood there giving thanks and praying to God almighty in the midst of this sea of the women of the Church of God in Christ. I'll never forget.

I was blessed to attended my first International Women's Convention in 1990 held in Cincinnati, OH. I attended with two other sisters from my local church and each day we were among the very first to be at the door waiting for entrance into the prayer service. There we saw a mother get out of a wheel chair and walk! Praise Him! Mother Shaw was such a mighty and inspirational prayer warrior. At the time, my marriage was not in a good place, but the Lord let me know my husband was coming home. When I got back he asked if he could come back home. The marriage only lasted 15 rocky years, but praise God, He never left me! It ended with his divorce, but that brought peace to my life. The 2011 convention in Dallas, TX was my second experience. Just a week before that convention, the Lord made a way with financing, housing, and transportation. I roomed with my Pastor's wife. The Lord had been dealing with me for several years on making a move. During this convention the Lord sent a few more signs confirmng where he wanted me to go and my Pastor's wife was a witness to those signs. A week later, God gave me the date to leave and everything has fallen into place. Be encouraged my sisters and remember Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."

I remember my first International Women's Convention held in Miami Beach, FL in 1988 like it was yesterday. It was a blessing to be among the beautiful women of God. Our hotel was not ready and we waited the entire day among hundreds of women before we were registered into our rooms. It was the first for both my church mother and I and we will never forget the exuberance of praise and worship, the blessings and miracles God manifested during the week. We loved Mother Mattie McGlothen who ministered and blessed our souls. Thank you for the opportunity to reminence and recall the great things the International Women's Convention has birth in our hearts and souls.

I have never attended one yet – but – to God be the Glory – I will be in the house this year – he have brought thru cervical cancer (1/2012) and now I am told that I have thyroid cancer (2/2013) – no matter what – I will not miss this year to be in the WIC and to be surrounded with his people worshipping God in spirit and in truth.

Be blessed my sister and come expecting a miracle. I attended the Dallas Convention the week after chemo treatment but paced myself so I could enjoy everything. Try to be in prayer everyday. Rest and God will see you through!

Thank you so much for your words of love and encouragement – yes I will pace myself – but I have to be in the prayer – that is my strength and my fortess – and I am fasting and praying before I come – knowing that I will leave a change person being in the presence of God's holy women and I am just so excited and happy and praising God in advance for his grace – love and mercy.

The first Women's Convention I attended was in Washington D.C. in 1985. I remember the late Mother Deborah Patterson the wife of the late Presiding Bishop J.O. Patterson, Sr. and daughter of the Founder Bishop Charles H. Mason. I loved seeing Mother Patterson go forth and be used of God in the convention. When I went back to Baltimore that Sunday evening, and the next day hearing of the death of Mother Patterson was a shocked and sad. I had the opportunity to shake her hand and marvel at how God used her during the convention. She was a blessing to our great church. I will always remember singing in the choir and sitting behind where she sat at the convention. What a blessing this great woman of God was and the wisdom that she shared will be remembered.

1993 Nashville, TN. – Remember it so well, because the Lord was bessing and on the very last day got a call, that we had to come back because my Oldest son had a accident on the job, his middle finger was severed they had to sew it back on. It is still bent but he can use it and since then he got married has 7 kids, 6 boys 1 girs. He is now minister and an organist in the Church. He heads the district male chorus mentor to boys in the community. I said that is why the devil was messing. Because God had a blessing for him and us. God is Good.

We attended our first convention in 2008., along with our Supt's wife , our state supervisor and several women from Arkansas. Our plane was delayed and redirected to another airport and we arrived too late to hear Mother Rivers. We were so disappointed but the rest of the trip was wonderful. We were so excited that we attended every service except one night service. Needless to say, we were exhausted but inspired. Everything was awesome. We stayed at the Marriott and it had the best food ever. Now we are hooked; we don't want to miss any of the Women's Convention. Every woman should attend .It is a life changing experience. I love how Mother Rivers uses the older saints in service and Mother Kelly has the prayer warriors in action. It is an inspiration to older saints.

I was blessed to attend my first International Women's Convention in 2012! A group of 10 of us from The Great Northern District Of Virginia had the most incredible time in Atlanta, GA! We had the time of our lives! We went to morning meetings and services, ate, went to afternoon sessions and services, and shopped between eating and going to church! We also had a friend that lived in Atlanta and she was our private tour and Shopping Guide. We enjoyed the services so much; we even bought messages to listen to later… Awesome Holy Ghost Filled Time in the Lord! See you in Orlando!!! Rita

My first Women’s Convention was in San Francisco, CA 1976. What an experience!! I traveled with the late Mother Elizabeth Walker, Supervisor, Western New York Jursidiction No. 2. The Women’s Convention has always been and still is the best organized, Holy Ghost filled, and inspirational international convention in COGIC.

My first International Women’s Convention was in Birmingham, AL 2001. It was an awesome experience. I will never forget the spiritual blessing I received. My prayer daily “Create within me a clean heart God and renew a right spirit within me.”

1982…We traveled from Germany to Detroit, MI…We attended most of the classes and services…it was a joy to be in prayer at 7AM…and during that time, thre was a Sunday Service…The convention was and continues to be a highlight of my life…my first Bishop, L E Willis, Sr was a speaker in one of the evening services…He and Mother Hortense Willis were surprised to see me and I will never forget their smiles and love as they waved at us from the podium…I love the spirit of the convention…it has enhanced my life to the fullest

My first Women’s Convention was Atlanta, Georgia 2012. I had a wonderful time. It was great. I enjoyed every service, and every prayer. I was renewed and went home restored and revived. I can’t wait till next year!!

My first Women’s Convention was in Detroit, MI 1999. I was 20 years old and myself along with my 1st Lady/sister and 3 other women from my church went and we had a blast. It was a great experience for me and I enjoyed it so much. I look forward to going every year. I love the “Grand Ole G.O.G.I.C!!!

Yes I really enjoyed myself in Milwaukee WIsconsin in 1994, however I only came for the weekend. This year in Atlanta 2012 was my very first time going Red Card and it was AWESOME!! I attended the Musical, the Breakfast and the day services. I really was Blessed with the skits prepared by the youth on Friday AM. Every service I attended was anointed and I did'nt leave the same. I attend Holy Temple COGIC in Buffalo, NY where my pastor is Supt Lee Allen Spight Sr. My Supervisor in Mother Wilma Jean Hughey. I look forward to attending in 2013.

My family was blessed to attend our 1st Women's Convention in 1979 Chicago, IL to meet with our Aunt Courtney Cofield from Jackson Memorial COGIC, Pastor – Bishop Charles Blake Sr, San Diego, CA; this was a wonderful family reunion. Love and Blessings from the Cooks Family

To God be the glory, I pray that my rememberance of my second WIC, would bless someone, because it blessed me. My first WIC was in 1993 in Nasville, TN. the capital of my home state. I was there with my husband, our Sunshine Band age daughter and niece. I was encouraged by our state Sunshine Band president to take them to preform. I was not a Missionary at that time, but was working in areas that the church need help. I did not go to another WIC until 2003, I was in Missionary class at that time. Mother River's" ON BUSINESS FOR THE KING" theme that year inginited a fire in me. I bought the CD, went to my local to have take that on as our theme for that year. Not being a singer, the Lord blessed me to lead, On Business For the King. The Lord has allowed me to work in His vineyard, with a heart to win souls to Christ, and not be weary in welll doing, working while it is day. To His glory He has elevated me to State Field Representative, I love Sunday School. I thank God for the women of the Church Of Goid In Christ. Father keep annointing our Mother Rivers. I am a member of New Mt. OLive COGIC, under the leadership Elder Robert Malone Jr. in Memphis, Tn.

OMGoodness It was an awesome experience. I was in a horrible storm I needed a spiritual break through, the Lord led me to the COGIC website for the very first time. I saw that a women’s convention was coming up in about 4 weeks, got permission from my husband, put my vacation request in, got a buddy pass and a reasonable room on Universal Blvd. I went on this trip alone that’s how desperate I needed the Lord to do something for me. The Lord let me meet some wonderful women on the plane and just so happen the were staying in the same Hotel two doors down. The whole time I was there I fasted and prayed and went to the alter. Deliverance was in the house

The phenomal life changing experience at the 1984 Women's International Convention in Atlanta, GA, the time and place of my life transformation. Graduated from college, career, independent (so I thought), liberty to go to and fro, here and there–but inwardly "unhappy". I shall never forget, the night Evangelist Maria Gardner expedited the offering and suggested that we "fleece" the Lord for whatever we wanted Him to do in our lives, and within 7 days God is going to do it." As I stood, I begin to cover my life, seemingly pleased with my accomplishments and I thought well Lord I don't need anything that I can think of. Then the Holy Spirit arrested me and said: "Be honest." Those soft powerful words resonanted upon my spirit until I found myself weeping and surrendering to the power of God in obedience and proclaimed, Yes God, I do want companionship!! The missing link in my life. Long story short, returned home, went to church that Sunday night, shared a song (we had learned at the convention), and it was during testimonial service the Lord blessed that very night and brought it to pass just as the evangelist had spoken (within 7 days: my would be companion came into our church that night unbeknownest to any of us). To God Be the Glory for all the things He has done!!! Today, I can truly say "everything that happend to me that was good, God did it!" I can proudly say that my spouse and I have been together since my returned from WIC in June 1984 and our acquaintance at church; later we married in March 1985. The Lord blessed us with two beautiful daughters( in 1987 & 1988 respectively), so was unable to attend the WIC during those years. However, my spouse proclaimed that I should continue to attend the WIC and truly the Lord has blessed. Whenever, I decide to go, the way is always made. Thanks be to God. I believe I have made about 16 of these wonderful WIC services travellling throughout this great USA. I give all the Glory, Honor and Praise to God!!! Today, I am the very blessed founders' wife, pastors' wife, first lady, companion and friend to none other than Pastor William E. Skinner, Founder & Pastor of Marvelous Light Church of God in Christ in Memphis, TN.

The Year of 1997 My first Women Convention was in the city of Philadephia Pa. the Brothely Love State. I had a wonderful time and God truly blessed in the meeting. Praise God For the Women Convention ! I can't wait until next year in FL "2013"

Yes! Praise the Lord in 1978. Houston, TX. Oh! how excited and blessed I was. The older saints were such an inspiration. One of the National Evangelist, the late Evangelist Doris Gibson, encouraged me to attend. She gave me an half fare ticket, (my ticket back home). I will forever remember how she said "if you go once, you will never be the same, and you will always want to go!" such a grand occasion. Every word was true. While I was there that week, I roomed with the late Mother Lula Jefferson, the wife of the late Jurisdiction Bishop. Bishop I.L. Jefferson, CT II, of Hartford, CT. This was the beginning one of the most fulfiling journeys of my life. I never wanted to miss a convention. These mothers of the church had such dedication and committment in the service of our Lord. They were prayer warriors and lived the saintly life. God Bless!

what a wonderful exp. i had. it was in 2000 the Lord fought my fear of flying for me and my best friend that talked me into going webt to sleep as soon as we took off. the meeting was in las angeles beautiful, we had one of the most lovely rooms. because of a mix up on the hotels part they gave us a room with two king beds, two restrooms one with shower the other with a tub, we had two of eveything including irons.the women of God went forth in the word and blessed my soul. i haven't missed one since, and with Gods help i never will.

My first Women's International Convention was in Washington DC in 1985. Evangelist Bobbie Patton and Evangelist Dollie Bennett-Milford introduced me to the Women's International Convention. I will be forever grateful to them! They were and still are good examples of how holy women of God are to live. I was truly blessed during this convention and have been attending each year since then. As always, "I love the Lord, and I won't take it back!"

My first convention was in 1981 in Ft. Worth, Texas. I remember Mother McGlothen stating how she was given such preferential treatment with a motorcade vs the first time she came to Ft. Worth. She reflected on how far we have come and how good God was. I also remember being at Six Flags and sitting in the presence of Mother Deborah Patterson.